2o years as a fashion model that led to celebrity makeup artist to writer...
We'll check in with the latest and greatest in the biz.
Makeup interviews, insights, quotes and products galore.
Some unconventional beauty insight too.
http://jacquelinecioffa.com

Monday, January 30, 2012

My friend emailed this picture, and I couldn't resist posting. While the women are pretty and unique, their transformation by Hair and Makeup Artists, kicks butt. Seriously, take a good look at the, Are You Kidding, I Want To Look Like That,??!! before and after pics. Not all of us were born with perfect features and stunning looks, but with the help of gorgeous makeup, great hair and fabu color, we can all be heroes. Even bombshells need a bit of help. If you saw Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Madonna walking down the street, sans false lashes and glitter painted faces, you might not recognize them. I admit they are the rare oddities, Mariah Carey, Christy Turlington, Elaine Irwin, who are Goddesses upon waking, completely void of makeup. Trust me, I've seen them. They are one in a million faces. Maybe, that's why they're worth many, many millions. Talent along with great looks and kindness, means longevity in the 'biz'. And a whole lotta luck. Today, I bow Tebow style to Les Artistes. I celebrate those who make mere mortals look and feel like divas, Megawatt rock stars. Hey, with an A LIST Celebrity Makeup & Hair team in your pocket, you too could become a Reality Star. All it takes is dime store product, a dollar and your very own, personal Beauty Dream Squad. Stayed tuned this week for a MEGA POST on one of my all time favorite MU Artistes. In a class all his own, an original, a Beauty GURU & Superpower CELEBRITY FACE DESIGNER.

"This photo below was taken at a competition in June 2008 involving 9 women for best makeover.

They had every possible beauty treatment available to them over a period of 12 hours before the contest.

Look at the before and after photos. Conclusion - there are no ugly women only poor women. "

Friday, January 27, 2012

From Peter Thomas Rothdirect to you, a new 'James Bond' cool Eye Product. A breakthrough in the latest technology, "Lashes To Die For"THE LINER, enhanced with SymPeptide at 10 %, liquid liner does double duty. Rich pigment in dramatic black, with an awesome felt tip pen for precise application, it stays put and is GOOD for your lashes. "Lashes appear twice as thick in just six weeks." I love it.
I'm a fan of Peter Thomas Roth products. He is an expert in skincare and haircare, I'm up for the challenge.

For women of a certain age, (and that goes for most of us gals over thirty) your lashes tend to thin, shrink, disappear and even go grey! BOO HOO. I say stop the aging process with Peter Thomas Roth and dual action peptide treatment/ liquid liner. It's the perfect new millennium gadget. Dull lashes are never James Bond sexy or 007 mysterious. My clients will love it. I've tried Semi- Permanent IndividualLash Extensions, they can do serious damage after long time use. You wind up with three lashes left on your lids. So I say six weeks to dramatic, Bond Girlsultry eyes, in bewitching black. Bring it. It's the latest, sizzlin' hot, innovative technology.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

"True happiness and self-confidence radiates natural beauty from the inside out." My years in the beauty industry were surrounded by gorgeous women. And some average women who transformed, became naturally stunning, without going under the knife. I do believe there are times when cosmetic surgery is appropriate, breast cancer mastectomy, cleft palette, and unsightly afflictions that require help. When I work on an aging actress with plumped up lips, chipmunk cheeks and eyes full of fillers, it looks ugly in my opinion. It's hard to do makeup on a plastic face, it slides and doesn't sit well on the skin. It's unfortunate and challenging to say the least.Dame Helen Mirren, Robin Wright, Holly Hunter, Kyra Sedwick, these are my preferred beauties. Smart, sexy women, intriguing to watch, even with crow's feet, laugh lines, and foreheads that move. They emote power, and exude confidence.When I was approached by Isabella Frankin, who runs and writes, cosmeticsurgeryguru.comto do a post, I was flattered. She wrote the following 'beauty themed piece'.I asked her to tread lightly on cosmetic surgery, and she kindly did. I hope you enjoy her innovative insights and really cool product suggestions, as much as I did.

How to Look Your Best Without Cosmetic Surgeryby Isabella Franklin

"Bum lifts, cheek implants and boob jobs are popular these days, but there are ways to revamp your appearance – naturally. Going under the knife’s a big step, so here’s how to improve your looks without cosmetic surgery."

Moisturise

If you think a facelift’s the only way to iron out those laugh lines – you’re mistaken. A good face cream can work wonders on older skin and should knock years off in no time. Use an age-busting product such as L’Oreal’s Youth Code (inspired by gene science) and revitalise your complexion in time for spring. A bit of pampering and preening will do you a world of good, so stock up your vanity and get beautifying.

Exfoliate

Eye bag removal can improve your appearance but so can gentle exfoliation. Rubbing abrasive creams over your body can unclog pores and increase circulation. Simply squeeze your favourite exfoliating shower gel onto a pair of exfoliating gloves and polish the skin – make sure to avoid rough or sore patches. This will get rid of any grime that’s making your face look dull and reveal your natural luminosity. Soap & Glory’s Flake Away is ideal for soft, smooth legs and the Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub from Lush is a good body cleanser.

Exercise

Think liposuction’s the only way to better thighs? Well, think again! Regular exercise helps breakdown fat and can even reduce cellulite – what could be better. Hit the treadmill a few times a week and you'll notice a difference in no time. Exercise releases happy hormones, known as endorphins and is a great way to lift your mood. So jump on the treadmill, take a leisurely stroll and you'll be well on your way to a better body.

Wear the Right Makeup

Forget lip plumping procedures and cheek implants, opt for specially designed cosmetics. The Sally Henson Lip Inflation Extreme lip gloss will perfect your smile and Rimmel’s Multi-Tonal Powder Blush will help you create the right affect. A cream-based foundation works best on older skin and red lipstick brightens any complexion.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I have known Julie Davidow, since my earliest days on Miami Beach. I had the pleasure of living with her in her magical, tropical paradise for over a decade. One never quite recognizes the magic moments, holds them close, until they have past and are long gone. We were our own unique family, her, my brother, best friend, and Michel, le Frenchman. A student back then, I'd watch Julie throw down huge canvases on a cement floor, and get lost in her world of paint and color. Days would go by, sometimes. Barely stopping to eat, much less for a chat, she was mesmerized by the textiles and forms taking shape. It seemed she was always painting, while we were off having fun, living life at the beach. Julie's passion, her discipline, inspire me to be brave, to take chances. To be bold, to risk and live a less mundane existence. An artist, in these strange times, is the bravest beautiful I know. To be a woman, going against the grain, breaking all rules to follow your passion, is the prettiest makeover by far. Create your very own kaleidoscope coat of color. I don't see Julie often enough, for we have moved on and out of her secret garden. I don't tell her often enough how proud I am of her work, her life and her art. She taught me how to laugh wickedly at myself and ignore the naysayers. She gave me a safe haven, when I was in need of a home. I am most proud of the total package, the artist exploring her craft. Creating and recreating an ethereal world, master technique and her ever expanding canvas.

Gloss Unlimited in special edition colors, comes in two blossoming shades. Neither sticky nor heavy when applied to the lip, the Goddess 'Sunn'would be ripe for a kiss. Blooming Pink Gloss is a subtle pink, and Corona Orange is a yummy, lustrous orange -pink. The Creamy Dome Blusher, reminds me of an ancient, open air planetarium. Where one could go to examine the stars in wonder and awe. Fairy Pink, a lovely, bright blush leaves your cheeks aglow, while Sunlight Peach casts a magic spell of beauty upon all others.

The Eye Crayon, a creamy, dual pencil can be used to draw fine lines or blended like shadow. I adore these two colors, misty gray and molten brown. They are the perfect shades of serenity, where Khadroma (Celestial beings) lives.Celestial Garden Spring Collection, theheavens and earth meet in blissful, creative, masterful Shu Uemura harmony.

Friday, January 13, 2012

I admit it. I have a love / hate relationship with Los Angeles. I adore the sun, the blue sky, the 70 degree temperature year round. I don't quite buy into the hype, the heels, the superficial, the constant primping and posing. But, if you can ignore all the hoopla, La is a great city to work and hang out. The Newsroom Cafe and the artichokes, Korean Day Spas, Runyon Canyon, Robertson, Joan's on 3rd, it's pretty cool. I love Souplantation, where you can still get a huge salad for a low-low price. When presented the idea to post about the upcomingLaGLOWHollywood Beauty Event, I couldn't resist.

I've worked my share of Beauty Suites in preparation for the Globes, Oscars, important galas, I've spent weeks at the Mondrian and the Chateau MarmontBungalows, alongside top notch artists and some awesome brands.

This is your chance to learn from the pros, gain hands on experience. LaGLOWhas lined up some very impressive, heavyweights in the world of artistic talent. Artists from all areas of the biz, from Bridal to Fashion, to the ever popular world of special effects. There's no better way to jump in and get your feet wet, or should I say fingers, dirty? LA style baby. As LL Cool J would say, the smoking hot and coolest of the cool, "Going back to Cali, Cali, Cali." Stylin,' Profilin', Shakin', Bakin' 'Em, Showin' 'Em places they've never been." Dare to be bold, go where you've never gone, hone your craft, and follow your passion. Reach for the stars.

"This past week has been tremendously exciting for AGLOW. For one, we can now tell you that the beautiful Sheraton Hollywood Hotel in Universal City will be hosting the Hollywood Beauty Event! This event is going to be life changing for every hair and makeup artist who attends and we cannot wait to meet and equip you all to succeed wildly in your beauty business!"

About Me

Jacqueline Cioffa was an international model for 17 years and celebrity makeup artist. She is a dog lover, crystal collector and Stone Crab enthusiast. Her work has been featured in “Brainstorms, the Anthology” and numerous literary magazines. Living with manic depression, Jacqueline is an advocate for mental health awareness. She's a storyteller, observer, essayist, potty mouth and film lover who's traveled the world.

Her poignant, literary fiction debut THE VAST LANDSCAPE gives new meaning to intense, raw and heartfelt.

Fans of the emotional, soul stirring first novel will not be able to put GEORGIA PINE the exciting sequel down.

“The essence continues because you do. Hope is our greatest asset. To choose hope against the worst possible odds is the true measure of life.” - GEORGIA PINE, by Jacqueline Cioffa

Jacqueline Cioffa pens the column, "Bleeding Ink" with Feminine Collective from her heart to yours.